VS
At a Glance
Power
294 kW
285 kW
Torque
500 Nm
500 Nm
Fuel
9.0 l/100km
8.4 l/100km
Towing
—
1800 Kg
0-100 km/h
3.8 s
4.9 s
Engine
2480 cc
2998 cc
Choosing between the Audi RS3 and the BMW 4 Series is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Audi RS3 delivers 294 kW while the BMW 4 Series produces 285 kW. On fuel, the RS3 returns 9.0 l/100km while the 4 Series uses 8.4 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 498 200 for the RS3 and R1 658 786 for the 4 Series. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
294 kW
285 kW
Torque
500 Nm
500 Nm
0-100 kph
3.8 s
4.9 s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2480 cc
2998 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
5
6
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
7
8
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
9.0 l/100km
8.4 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
59 l
CO2 Emissions
204 g/km
192 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4381 mm
4770 mm
Width
1851-1984 mm
1852-2081 mm
Height
1430 mm
1394 mm
Wheelbase
2631 mm
2851 mm
Kerb Weight
1565 Kg
1890 DIN / 1965 EU Kg
Doors
5
2
Seats
5
4
Load Volume
282-1104 l
300-385 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1800 Kg
Load Capacity
—
500 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6 (opt 8)
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
Optional
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
—
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
1
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator (max 30000)
service interval indicator / 20000 km
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
RS3
Fuel Economy
4 Series
Value
RS3
Practicality
4 Series
Pros & Cons
Audi RS3
More powerful engine (294 kW)
Lower starting price (R1 498 200)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.8 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (9.0 l/100km)
BMW 4 Series
Better fuel economy (8.4 l/100km)
Less power than rival (285 kW vs 294 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the RS3 or 4 Series?
The RS3 uses 9.0 l/100km and the 4 Series uses 8.4 l/100km on the combined cycle. The 4 Series is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the RS3 or 4 Series?
The RS3 produces 294 kW and 500 Nm of torque while the 4 Series delivers 285 kW and 500 Nm of torque. The RS3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the RS3 and 4 Series?
The RS3 starts from R1 498 200 and the 4 Series from R1 658 786. The RS3 is cheaper by R160 586 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the RS3 or 4 Series?
The RS3 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the 4 Series can tow 1800 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the RS3 or the 4 Series?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.